Filing annual accounts with Companies House is a legal obligation for most UK-registered businesses, including limited companies and LLPs. Timely and accurate filing helps maintain your company’s good standing and avoids penalties. In this guide, we explain how to file accounts with Companies House and the role a professional accountant can play in making the process smooth and stress-free.

What Are Company Accounts?

Company accounts, often called annual accounts or statutory accounts, are financial reports that provide an overview of your business’s financial performance over a 12-month period (your accounting year).

They typically include:

• Balance Sheet
• Profit and Loss Account
• Notes to the Accounts
• Directors’ Report (for medium and large companies)
• Auditor’s Report (if required)

Who Must File Accounts with Companies House?

All limited companies and LLPs registered in the UK must file accounts, even if the company is:

• Dormant
• Not trading
• A small or micro-entity

Failure to file on time may result in penalties, starting from £150 and increasing with further delays.

Filing Deadline: Know the Dates

You must file your accounts within 9 months of your company’s financial year-end. For example, if your accounting period ends on 31st December 2024, you must file by 30th September 2025.

For newly incorporated companies, your first accounts are due 21 months after incorporation, or 9 months after the accounting reference date (whichever comes first).

How to File Accounts with Companies House (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare Your Accounts

Prepare your statutory accounts according to:

• UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), or
• IFRS (for larger companies)

Small and micro-entities can file simplified accounts using special formats.

2. Choose How to File

You can file your accounts:

• Online via Companies House WebFiling or software (recommended)
• By post (paper filing is slower and riskier)

Online filing is faster, more secure, and gives you instant confirmation.

3. Use the Correct Format

Micro-entities and small businesses can take advantage of:

• Abridged accounts
• Dormant accounts (if the company hasn’t traded)

Each format has different reporting requirements.

4. Log in and Submit

To use WebFiling:

• Sign in to your company accounts
• Enter your company authentication code
• Upload and submit your accounts

5. Get Confirmation

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Make sure to keep a record of your business files.

Why Hire a Professional Accountant?

Filing accounts isn’t just about ticking a legal box. Mistakes can be costly, lead to penalties, or raise red flags with HMRC and Companies House.

A qualified accountant will:

• Ensure compliance with the latest UK accounting standards
• Help you choose the correct filing format (full, abridged, micro-entity)
• Prepare accurate and tax-efficient reports
• Save you time and reduce stress

Instead of relying solely on software, partnering with a professional ensures peace of mind and long-term business growth.

Read to know how to find a good accountant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the deadline
• Using the wrong format (e.g., filing full accounts when abridged would suffice)
• Incorrect figures or outdated templates
• Failing to file dormant accounts

Avoid these by consulting a qualified accountant well before your deadline.

Final Thoughts

Filing your accounts with Companies House is a key part of running a UK company. Whether you’re a small business, a growing startup, or a dormant company, it’s crucial to understand your responsibilities.

To ensure accuracy, stay compliant, and avoid penalties, it’s wise to work with a professional accountant who understands UK business regulations and can guide you through the process.